Timmy Hayes is nothing if not a quick learner. The Encino (Calif.) native was introduced to the world of Wyoming Cowboy football on Dec. 6 and by Sunday had learned all he needed to know in order to pledge the next four years of his life to the Pokes' coaching staff.

Saturday, the Crespi Carmeli High school stud proved a quick study behind the handlebars of a snowmobile.

"I am from California, I had never seen anything like that before," Hayes said with a laugh Monday morning. "They said we were going snowmobiling and I was like, snowmobiling? What is that? Then we got there and it was like, let's just go for it."

Hayes reports the speedometer on the snow machine said it could reach speeds of 120 miles per hour, but he only managed just 60.

He said it in a way that made you wonder if he was a little disappointed in himself.

Putting up impressive numbers is something Hayes is used to on both sides of the football. As a cornerback he accounted for 50 tackles, four interceptions and two forced fumbles last season. Offensively, the Encino (Calif.) athlete rushed for 150 yards and two scores in the season's final two games. For his effort he was named to the Pac 5's All-Conference team as a running back and team MVP.

"The head coach just didn't feel he needed me at running back until the last two games," Hayes said.

Hayes chose Wyoming over scholarship offers from Montana State and Stony Brook and had been in conversation with Oregon State, Arizona, Arizona State and New Mexico State.

"I am very physical off the line and I can cover at the same time," Hayes said when asked his strengths. "I get out of my breaks very fast. I have natural talent and ability to play the game."

Off-the-field, the 5-foot-9, 175-pounder has some impressive measurables, including a 40 time of 4.5 seconds, a 405-pound squat max and a 355-pound bench press. He also carries a 3.2 grade-point average and scored a 19 on his ACT.

Hayes said the first time he talked to the Wyoming coaches came on Dec. 6. By Dec. 12 he had a scholarship offer in hand and the two sides were talking about a visit. This weekend Hayes said he saw enough of Laramie and the football program to know it was where he wanted to play.

"During the official visit I got an opportunity to talk to the coaches and made me feel at home," Hayes said. "I also got to get to know some LA kids and that made me feel a lot more at home."It wasn't tough to get to Wyoming on a visit for me," Hayes added. "I am very comfortable with the thought of leaving California."

Hayes said the Wyoming coaches have told him they expect he can come in and compete for a cornerback job right away.

"I didn't know what to expect coming into Wyoming, but. I am very excited to play for Wyoming," Hayes said.